MAJOR figures in Coventry business and retailing have come out strongly in favour of the Phoenix Initiative and the demolition of the Gala Bingo building.

Coventry City Council is due to take control of the gaming hall this weekend and clearing and demolition work will start immediately.

The end result will be the completion of a key element of the #40 million Phoenix development, exposing much of Coventry's hidden history and creating a series of public areas and squares and a whole new frontage for the Museum of British Road Transport.

Today, as the ouncil prepared to take possession of the one-time theatre, several key figures have backed the move to bring substantial tourist and business benefits to the city.

The leader of Coventry City Council, Councillor Nick Nolan, said that the show of support underlined what an impact the scheme would have on the future on the city.

He said: "There has quite rightly been a debate about the Phoenix Initiative and we feel the scheme, which is now proceeding, is vital to the economic well-being of the city and will also bring social benefits as well.

"We have promoted the initiative on these benefits but we are delighted to have the backing of so many key figures in the city.

"They, like us, see this as a great opportunity which will dramatically improve the centre of Coventry and once again put us at the forefront of civic design and improve our quality as a visitor destination."

Paul Haynes - manager of West Orchards shopping centre:

"West Orchards and our owners, Prudential, have always been supportive of the Phoenix Initiative because it improves the environment and will be a major attraction which will increase the length of time people spend in the city.

"I have worked in a number of cities and towns across the country and I sympathise when a significant building has to be demolished.

"But the Phoenix Initiative is not a scheme which rides roughshod over history. In fact, it does the opposite and I think the bingo hall has to go for the sake of the bigger picture.

"The challenge for everyone connected with the scheme and the city is to make sure that the city operates just as well during a time of tremendous change."

Robert Shaw - director of Harry Shaw City Cruisers

"We bring thousands of tourists into Coventry city centre every year and at the moment, I am afraid to say, they stop for a while to see the cathedral and have a loo break, remaining here for less than an hour.

"The opening up of so much of Coventry's history and the creation of new squares and gardens could well encourage them to double the length of their stay in the city, which has to be good for everyone.

"I am a Coventry Kid and realise the implications of the Phoenix Initiative but the city has to move forward and this will transform our city centre for the better."

Isabella Moore - president of the Chamber:

"We at the Chamber fully support the city council. The demolition of the bingo hall is part of the Phoenix Initiative, which will enhance the city.

"The more attractive we make the city, the more people will visit and the more we will retain those who work here.

"It is all part of raising our image. We do have a very big competitor on our doorstep in Birmingham and we have to look forward with vision."

Liz Millett - City Centre Company:

"The scheme opens up a whole new area of the city and will add a totally new dimension to Coventry. It will provide a secondary, complementary focal point and create a modern centre, which at the same time exposes our rich history, which is so often ignored.

"I know that there has been great commercial interest in the scheme and I think new and existing businesses will feel a sizeable benefit.

"I know there has been objection to the Gala Bingo building being demolished and major planning decisions are always emotive.

"But it is some time since it was the Coventry Theatre and the city has a new #7 million Skydome Arena, which is ideal for hosting a diverse range of events, as well as the Belgrade Theatre and Warwick Arts Centre."

Stuart Linnell MBE - local broadcaster:

"The opportunity to save this building was when it first became a bingo hall. That was the moment for the city council to become involved to turn it into a conference centre or whatever but I am afraid it is too late now.

"It is akin to having a close friend on a life-support machine. A decision has to be made at some stage to switch it off. It is very sad but it has to go."

Dr Mike Goldstein - vice-chancellor, Coventry University:

"The Phoenix Initiative is a very exciting project and a great challenge for the city. It has to be integrated into the rest of city developments and the whole promotional and regeneration strategy. I am looking forward to it.

"As for the Gala Bingo building, I think we have to accept that we cannot recreate the past. The past is gone. Life is full of chances and on the basis that you cannot do everything, you have to look forward rather than back and achieve what is achievable.

"I really don't see that there is a strong argument for retaining the building. We would all like to recreate the past but you have got to look forward and be positive. Coventry will have a superb bingo facility but a city of Coventry's size cannot do everything."